Dealing with Tech and Box

[Wesley]

So once again, there was a shortage of people to make Maestro run behind the scenes--to cover tech and box and ticket taking, etc. This is not the first time this has happened and if things keep operating like they are, surely won't be the last. Now that the show is not just selling out, but overselling (another issue entirely, we're still selling more tickets than we have seats and having to squeeze people in), it cannot afford a slump in "non-performance" support.

So, idea.

How about tech (maybe even splitting lights and sound as two people again) and box are cast, just like the show players are, just like they used to be.
Here's the twist...since some people don't like doing tech, don't like being asked to do it when they've just come to watch, or say they will and then don't show...we actually find a way to reward those who do come and fill the spots. Not just with thanks and praise, but with something tangible.

One answer would be money. A measley amount like $10, but still something. With sold-out shows this could be doable. (Was tech paid in the distant past?) But, if audience numbers slumped, this might not be feasible.

So even better, I'd propose that if you volunteer and are cast to do lights, sound, or box you automatically get a guaranteed slot in the next week's Maestro. For example, if you know you want to play on the 15th because family will be in town to watch, you can volunteer to do tech on the 8th to reserve a spot. Or, if you just feel like you do a lot of tech and want to take a night to perform.

I think this would help fill the non-performance support slots a lot more often and reliably, make shows run smoother, and let those people who do step up know that their support is not just appreciated, but appreciated to the point of being rewarded. It would also allows us to train people to do box and lights properly instead of just grabbing someone and throwing them in the booth last moment.

[vine311]

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I plan on volunteering for more Maestro tech in the very near future and will gladly train anyone interested in learning the finer points of teching a Maestro show. Tech is very important and should never be an afterthought. It is an essential part of the show and should be taken as seriously as performing.

I love doing tech and will do it for free. I realize that not everyone is as gung-ho about it as I am so I think that some form of incentive or reward would help greatly.

[Wesley]

If the person doesn't wnat the slot, of course they don't have to use it. But I think a permanent, concrete, non-changing plan, whatever it is, for dealing with the situation would help it greatly.